The Passion of Suarta Oesman

world-shaker:

They really break things down over here. This is one of their arguments:

PBL Lends Itself to Authentic Assessment

Authentic assessment and evaluation allow us to systematically document a child’s progress and development. PBL encourages this by doing the following:

• It lets the teacher have multiple assessment opportunities.
• It allows a child to demonstrate his or her capabilities while working independently.
• It shows the child’s ability to apply desired skills such as doing research.
• It develops the child’s ability to work with his or her peers, building teamwork and group skills.
• It allows the teacher to learn more about the child as a person.
• It helps the teacher communicate in progressive and meaningful ways with the child or a group of children on a range of issues.

Visit our Comprehensive Assessment Core Strategy page to learn more.

adventuresinlearning:

Is it just me or maybe instead of trying to trick students to stay focused we should change our curriculum to take advantage of a different type of learning. Is it not natural for them to want to do a different type of learning…they are listening to their bodies shouldn’t we?  Shift learning outside, more open ended longer tasks…. with the freedom for students to move around, be active….

Our relationship with children shapes our teaching and their learning…if as teachers we are always trying to trick student into “learning” what happens when we leave? We should be helping and guide student to understand when they are not focused or need to shift gears…. and learn how to self direct or change their learning or activity to suit these natural impulses….

Plus maybe we should stand up as teachers and be honest and say…I would rather be outside too!

toseealambatschool:

By Hannah Trierweiler Hudson

As the weather gets warmer and kids get antsier, head off distraction with these stay-focused tips.

1. Designate an object for speakers to hold.
‘Tis the season for whispering about summer plans and what’s playing at the movie theater. To curb side conversations in class, give whoever’s talking a special object to hold, like a Magic Eight Ball or a hacky sack. If someone else interrupts the speaker, simply ask him or her, “Can you wait until you have the Magic Eight Ball?” Switch up the object every few days, or make it related to the subject you are studying in class.
Tech twist: Place a deck of students’ pictures on an interactive whiteboard. While a student is speaking, pull up the picture of him or her as a reminder that no one else should be talking.

2. Give kids one last schedule.
If you haven’t already shared your plans for the rest of the year, do so now so that students have a clear idea of what is expected of them during these busy couple of months. Include all homework assignments, due dates, and dates of quizzes and exams. Ask students to tell you now if they anticipate any conflict with end-of-the-year events, such as a soccer game or spring concert. Have fun with your calendar-include photographs and little notes like “Almost there” and “Pool party time!”
Tech twist: Make the schedule available online via your school website or Google Calendars. If possible, e-mail it to parents as well.

3. Stay in touch with your colleagues.
Every one of your students’ teachers probably has big plans for the rest of the year. Meet with them to discuss their timelines as well. You probably don’t want to schedule a big math test on the day the English classes are going to a play at a local theater, for example. If you know students have a big assignment due the following day in another class, be considerate with your own homework load, and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Tech twist: Follow up with your colleagues via e-mail. “Just wanted to remind you our Wild West projects are due on Friday. Please let me know if you have any questions.”

4. Be proactive when it comes to students’ shortened attention spans.
Recognize when kids are alert and on task, especially at the beginning of class. “Jamal, thanks for keeping your eyes on me, especially since vacation is only a few days away.” “I really like the active listening I’m seeing right now. Thanks for staying tuned in, everybody.” Don’t hold looming report cards as a threat, but do mention any good news you’ll be sharing. “I’m so glad that I’ll be able to tell your parents how much progress you’ve made in graphing.”
Tech twist: Keep everyone’s names in a word bank on your interactive whiteboard. If you catch students on task, drag their names under a heading that says “Thanks for Your Hard Work Today.”

5. Give listeners a special task.
Often the end of the year brings presentations from fellow students or special guests. But sitting through a lecture can be challenging for kids with summer barbecues on their minds. Try asking listeners to do something specific, such as make a list of three questions about the presentation, or write one thing they learned and one thing the talk made them want to know more about. Don’t forget to do the exercise yourself! Your post-presentation discussions will benefit greatly.
Tech twist: If permissible, invite students to text or instant-message their responses to you.

6. Ask kids for an “exit pass.”
At the beginning of class, give everyone blank index cards. Tell students that in order to leave for the day they must write one vocabulary word from your discussion or classwork and one question they have about the material you are studying. Collect the cards at the end of class. Begin your next session by reviewing some of the vocabulary words students listed, as well as discussing one or two of yesterday’s questions. In the last week of school, extend the exit pass activity by having kids reflect on the entire year.
Tech twist: Invite students to e-mail you their exit passes, or submit them as a comment on a class blog or wiki.